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Wireless local number portability (WLNP) allows wireless subscribers to change service providers within a given location while retaining the same phone number. Wireless consumers who wish to port their phone number must contact the prospective new carrier, who will start the process of porting by contacting the consumer's current carrier.
Wireless local number portability (WLNP) has been available in the U.S. since November 2003 (in the top 100 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs)) and May 2004 (in the rest of the country). A consumer wishing to port a number should contact the prospective new carrier, who will start the process of porting by contacting the consumer's current carrier. Commission rules require carriers to port a number when they receive a valid request, and carriers may not refuse to port. However, consumers are still legally bound by their existing service agreements and should be familiar with any fees they may incur for canceling an existing contract before deciding to port a number to a new carrier.
